The conversion of a 105 seat private theater to a fully DCI compliant cinema with a Christie CP-4230

[DCI forum]

Thread starts with next post.

[achase]

Today marked the start of the conversion of a 105 seat private theater from a 1998 Hughes-JVC 12K (lumens, not resolution! o_O) projector to a fully DCI compliant Christie CP-4230. First step was to remove the old projector and change the exhaust ducting from 10" to 8".
Then, the delivery truck arrived:
The black objects next to the Christie Boxes are what is left of the Hughes-JVC after it was picked over for parts...
More to follow, but I've got boxes to open!!!

[MrPixels]

Look at all those goodies, you must be excited.
Nice booth, I like the equipment rack.
Curious what kind of heat the JVC would throw.
Keep us posted.

[achase]

Curious what kind of heat the JVC would throw.
Keep us posted.<\q>
The projector dissipates 40,978 btus/hr in total. The lamp housing generates 13,000 btus/hr.

[achase]

First carton opened...projector stand being assembled.
(Note instruction manual being followed)

[Cinetom]

Congrats. I love Christie you will be very happy with the CP-4230. They were smart, their pedestals include both leveling feet and casters.

[achase]

Congrats. I love Christie you will be very happy with the CP-4230. They were smart, their pedestals include both leveling feet and casters.<\q>
Even the 1998 Hughes-JVC (this projector replaced) had that setup. They took things one step better by also engineering slots to allow a pallet jack or forklift to be able to slip underneath for moving.

The only thing I am not happy about so far is that the documentation for the stand was not updated to include any references to the 4230. They have a list of projectors for one locking foot layout, and another list of projectors for an alternate layout. Without the 4230 listed, which one do you go with? I just went with the same layout as the 2230. With regard to setting the stand height, they make a special mention to adjust the height for the 2230, but the optics are not the same on the 4230, so what do you do? Also, I know it seems stupid, but the documentation has no pictorial guide as to which way the foot locks are supposed to be oriented, or even which end of the stand is the "front"!

Obviously, given enough care and time I can (and did) figure it out, but why do they make things harder than they should be...

[achase]

Another day, another struggle dealing with the horrendous instruction manuals. A lot of trial and error...fortunately only one re-do...

Today I proceeded to un-crate and place the 7kw lamp power supply into the projector stand.


The rest of the night was spent un-crating and very carefully unbolting and then lifting the projector off of the shipping pallet, and then onto the stand. Thank goodness for power stackers!

It's interesting to note the size difference between the 1998 Hughes-JVC unit and the new one.

The UPS for the projector came in today, and I've learned a new term: IEC-320... And I thought I had every power cord type made. Again the Christie manual does have the information needed (sort of), but every step seems to be spread out in little chunks throughout several chapters.

Tomorrow if the booth exhaust ducting is finished, I may get up the courage to actually move the projector up to the booth.

[MrPixels]

Regarding manuals they assume the equipment is being installed by a professional who keeps to date on training seminars so for us enthusiast it takes a little longer but the reward as you noted in time you will know and maintain your machine better then any certified field technician. There are somethings better left for the technician such as the installation of the Dolby 3D system, especially its color calibration.

I agree about having a lift of some sort. Not worth the risk hurting our backs or hiring and paying 5 guys who bang this stuff around. I finally broke down and bought a manual hand crank type but after seeing your "Presto" ( top of the line ) I just ordered a "Vestil" SL-118-AA, thanks for the mention it gave me the push to get the real thing.

[achase]

Regarding manuals they assume the equipment is being installed by a professional who keeps to date on training seminars so for us enthusiast ....<\q>

I agree with that to a point, but when the manual shows installation pictures and procedures of a product that has been discontinued for almost two years, and not what it shipped with, then I do have a problem with Christie. My projector was made just last week, yet the manual (which is specific to this model only) still shows things that are clearly obsolete, and is dated 2011. Interestingly, the on-line manuals have been revised, so you would think it wouldn't be too much trouble on their part to either include a current manual or an addendum at the very least? At the cost of these projectors, the cost and effort to include proper paperwork is negligible. I very much want to go to the training class and get certified, but there is nothing scheduled until at least March.

I just ordered a "Vestil" SL-118-AA,<\q>

The only problem with "straddle" type stackers like these is that you can't get right up to a location unless there is clear space underneath. I built my booth with a removable wall section to allow for projector replacements, so the challenge is getting the projector into the booth when only a little bit of the forks extend past the straddles.

[Cinetom]

Just as irritating as outdated manuals I wish all new equipment would ship with the latest software but that is never the case. Have your installer check to make sure your system is up to date on everything.

[achase]

Despite my son not showing up this evening to help me move the projector to the booth, I was able to successfully complete the job anyway.

By carefully placing cardboard between the forks and the stand base, I was able to slide the projector off the forks inch by inch.

In place finally. (Note the wall that opens up just for this purpose).

Ready to begin UPS, NAS, and power wiring installation.

The booth wall is buttoned up again.

[Cinetom]

Secrete door, good idea and great planning. What a place, very nice.

[Marc Sloan]

Wait till you see the inside of the cinema. I followed his build thread and was truly amazed.

[Cinetom]

Wait till you see the inside of the cinema. I followed his build thread and was truly amazed.<\q>

I already thought this looks amazing but now Im really looking forward to seeing more.